FOOTSCRAY ON THE EDGE: PUBLIC ART

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We visited the fantastic mattress project by the Barkly Arts Craft Circle women. Their project involves 5 decommissioned mattresses and the prevalent issue of homelessness in the West. Many of the women working on these mattresses have been homeless themselves. The works have been made with materials both found and bought. Some of the material has a history such as a common blue blanket that was given to one of the women’s father who was discharged from hospital. He was about to discard it when she claimed it as a potential use. So many of the letters have various textural feels. I haven’t elaborated on the actual works as it will be best to view these, once they have locations.

On an administrative level, permissions are still being sort for various projects. These things take time and with only two weeks left, there isn’t too much time left. That’s my perspective. Kendal has been doing these types of projects for over 20 years and is often managing a project within a week so three weeks is a luxury for him.

We have access to some disused shop-fronts that will be demolished in December and that is very exciting. We had the opportunity to have a look within some. One shop was previously an Indian restaurant that had old posters such as the Taj Mahal grandiose overlooking us in contrast to an abandoned area. A disused money exchange shop with glass windows similar to that of an old bank with panels. Apart from the shared commonality of being shops and the black painted windows with partially dark interiors, these shops had shafts of light that come streaming through from the back windows. I took photos of the shops and mentally took notes on their condition and potential use. The unusual circumstance unlike galleries l have been part of, is that we can leave the shops in any condition as they will be demolished soon after the Footscray Public Art Project ends. Kendal suggests we put the rubbish from all the shops into one and then use the remaining shops. This will reduce any rubbish removal costs and make for a productive outcome. There is so much potential it’s overwhelming in a short time frame.

 Street view

 Internal shop

We visited artist Annee Miron’s studio who will be showing her magnificent woven cardboard entities with long tentacles. Yes, they have a life and with the time and energy that Annee has put into these works, she and her works exude that essence. We go and see the sight where they will hang and l somehow feel protective over these beautiful cardboard pieces. The story behind their creation is as fascinating as is in their present state. Oh, l’m going on one of my passionate internal rants. Photos below will give you a small glimpse of where they will be along with what they are. Apologies for the ambiguity, but Footscray public art project has to have a little mystery. 

 Falling, 2012

 Location view

Location view

The next couple of blogs will have specific artists, their work and interviews. 

Until next time.

Your loyal public art servant

Chantal Wynter